Movie Preview: Brooklyn's Finest

The last time that I was speaking about Wesley Snipes, the Government had just quietly lost it's attempt to railroad him to jail. Since the debacle, many have wondered if Snipes' carrer would ever have the chance to flourish again. That question may be answered in Brooklyn's Finest.

Brooklyn's Finest is the latest film by director Antoine Fuqua. The film is a gritty and somewhat realistic view of the "ghettofabulous" lifestyle, from the perspective of the police. It takes place in and around some of the worst, most drug-ridden projects in New York City (filmed in part in Brownsville and the Van Dyke Houses).

The focus of the film are 3 police officers. One, Richard Gere, is on his way out to retirement after a career that was just mediocre. Another, Ethan Hawke, is facing the struggle of providing for his family and trying to ensure they never have to endure the hardships he encounters every day. The 3rd officer, Don Cheadle, is a successful undercover officer that has been dabbling in the shadow far too long to be clear where his loyalties ultimately lie. Wesley Snipes rounds out this top notch cast as a notorious drug dealer Caz, who is a friend of Cheadle's Tango character.



In many ways this film is a continuation of what we saw in Spike Lee's New Jack City. It is the result of the progression of drugs and criminal life after decades of abuse and general lack of enforcement. It is the less glamorous, far more violent and real look at the toll drugs and criminals have on themselves, the police that pursue them, and the people that are caught in the malestrom of these two forces.

A question might be asked how good the film is. Wesley Snipes has long been removed to the direct to DVD sector of Hollywood. Gere hasn't had a major hit in decades. Hawke has never seemed to live up to the expactations that continue to surround him. Even Fuqua has not revisited the universal acclaim of Training Day.

But I think the answer is that most of the cast have not had the chance to really shine. Snipes was long ago stereotyped into action based roles, and then almost outcast as a result of the Government. Cheadle has only once been given the opportunity to step out into the lead of a film. Often he is deprived of the time to showcase his abilities. The same can be said of Hawke. And Gere has finally hit an age for male actors where most are found to be uninteresting and unappealing to young viewers, though their talent has not faded.



Looking at the movie trailer the feeling that this film will be a powerful drama is inescapable. Still there is no question that an excellent editor can make the worst movie look incredible. But when I consider the fact that in addition to the trailer, there is such a rich cast - who all took pay cuts so the film could be made at the modest $25 million budget - and that director Fuqua is back to a subject and theme that he has been most successful at, I come to a conclusion that this may be a sleeper hit.

Characters will take their paths to conclusions you may not expect in this film. The outcome may not be as obvious as it first seems. But the journey that each of these actors take us on looks as if it will make the 140 mintues fly.

The latest Iron Man 2 movie trailer

Well it seems that I may be wrong on several aspects of the new Iron Man 2 movie due out in the summer of 2010. According to the latest movie trailer my thoughts about Whiplash are mostly incorrect.



Still my theory about the Black Widow seems to be on firm footing. Also my thoughts about War Machine seem to still be very plausible if not dead on the mark.

One of the best things about this new film seems to be what I have been hoping since the original film. That the War Machine character would be as kick ass as in the comic books all of this is based on. Between the first trailer and this one I imagine that War Machine will be stealing the limelight from Stark.

Given all of that, I still find the Whiplash character the weak link of the film (with no offense to Mickey Rourke - I mean the plot). This guy is so smart that he can make his own design of the "unique" energy coil Stark uses to keep himself alive? A technology that was beyond all of the scientists at Stark Internantional combined in the first film, and now this guy can make his own version in a relative garage?

That aside, it looks like this film might be worthwhile. It might just match all the hype and expectations. Which would be a great change of pace for movies these days. Now if they could just get something in there about Titanium Man.

Iron Man 2 - update and story theories

So it's nearly here. The Iron Man 2 movie. And best of all is the fact that War Machine will be in the film. And it seems he may have a very large role in the movie.

The latest news on the movie is that War Machine is featured on the poster with Iron Man. The positioning of the characters is leading to some debate.



Because they are back to back the question is are they friends fighting off a horde of bad guys? Or are they pissed off at each other and at odds?

If you know the history of the 2 characters, from the comic books, they both options are available. For a while War Machine and Iron man, while still good guys, shared no love. Tony Stark and James Rhodes were at each others throat before they eventually became friends again. Part of that problem was the alcoholism of Tony Stark.

Now in the first Iron Man movie it did touch on the fact that Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr) was constantly drinking. Essentially he is a functional alcoholic, so due to his success and wealth few ever mention his problem. But what if he goes on a bender due to stress (like the world knowing he is Iron Man) and there is a need for the superhero?

That's where War Machine should step in. But based on the video trailer from Comic Con I think the real story will go something like this:



Warning!!! - though I don't know what the script is, I do know how movies get written. The following information will likely contain a lot of spoilers.

Stark is pulled before Congress where demamds are made for his new ultra-technology. He refuses to sell it. The Government decides that everything he has is eminient domain and try to take everything. Stark, either through his security/computer Jarvis or by his hand, destroys all of his lab. That includes the War Machine suit we saw with Terrence Howard in the first movie. Then Stark flies off to hide in the only other remaining suit.

Under orders Rhodes takes the War Machine suit as another Government weapons manufacturer comes in to fix it. As we see from 4:27 on, Rhodes takes the opportunity to not only rebuild the suit, but to add on a few extra perks. Now the Government has it's own version of the Iron Man suit. But there is a problem.

The arms dealer, Justin Hammer I believe, is hardly a good guy. Having worked on the suit he know has the technology too. And starts selling it to everyone who can afford it. Thus an assassin that prefers using whips gets to incorporate some of the tech into a new laser based whip weapon. And a bunch of other baddies creat tons of robots that War Machine has to take out.

Meanwhile, Stark is pissed. His greatest life work is stolen, and much - if not all - of his money is gone. His company is bought out from him, and he is drinking way too much. He get pissed off and decides to get rid of the other technology based on his design. Thus he and Rhodes are battling in full metal glory.

At some point before all that The Black Widow, a Russian spy extrodinare steals the plans from Hammer. Why buy it if you can steal it, and it's not like Russia is rolling in money. So expect a possible scene of Titanium Man for Iron Man 3. (And I think that should have been the villan in this film anyway)

But back to the fight. Eventually the 2 get interupted by some baddy bots. They fight them off, but need to work together to survive. The battle and co-operation make them understand they are really still friends.

Then comes in Whiplash (the assassin mentioned earlier played by Mickey Rourke). He get the suprise on Rhodes and disables his suit. Stark is left by himself to fend off the attack. Which he eventually does.

Left without a suit, the Government decides to forgive Stark and gives him back everything they took (mostly). It is revealed that S.H.I.E.L.D. intervened to help out Stark in exchange for his work on the Avenger Initiative (ie The Avengers comic book).

Overall that is the movie. I'm missing details of course, but I would bet that I just covered 80% of the film. The big question is if it can do what I just wrote with style. Like the look and feel for the first film?

If the scene with War Machine is any indication, he will be back and possibly in his own movie. And if he is that popular, I hope that Don Cheadle screws Marvel with a huge salary demand. After changing the character once, with huge fan disapproval, they don't dare change him again.

Darfur - the genocide is not over United Nations

Have you ever wondered what is more important, politics or people? You may not, but the United Nations certainly has. And they picked politics, or so it seems.

I have long been an advocate of helping the people of Darfur from the genocide that has been ongoing from the Sudanese government. For years I have tried to add my voice to that of Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and hundreds of other non-celebrities. We all have asked the U.S. Government to get involved and to do something, while we have all acted directly. But all the U.S. Government has done is talk about HR 180 IH.

Hundreds of thousands have died since 2003. Millions have lost their homes and now live in refugee camps fearful of Sudanese government attacks. Government-allied militias - janjaweed - burned down villages, government planes dropped bombs on populated areas and reports of rape by the gunmen were rampant. And the U.S. Government was not concerned.

Yet today, the U.N. did something even worse.

“We can no longer talk of a big conflict, of a war in Darfur. I think now everybody understands it. We can no longer speak of this issue. It is over." Rodolphe Adada told The Associated Press this week before stepping down as head of the joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, or UNAMID.

Yet somehow I tend to believe this statement more

''There are no more people on their land to kill,'' said Abdelwahid Elnur, exiled leader of one of the oldest rebel groups, the Sudan Liberation Army

In America politicians have been waiting for this day. Their inaction and the major media’s failure to discuss what has been called the worst humanitarian crisis has been astounding. 6 years of what the U.S. Government described as genocide equated to so much paper shuffling. And now the U.N. wants to have the world’s businesses and governments reigniting financial support of a government that is headed by a leader wanted for war crimes and has a warrant for his arrest since March of 2009.

The U.N. might as well say that the Sudanese people, especially those in Darfur, are not important enough to care about. Because their statements via Adada, and the inaction of America, seems to have said that loud in clear politically.

A genocide does not end because you can’t find as many people to kill as you did 6 years prior. A nation that actively killed people for no reason other than they existed is not something the world should ignore. And were this in Europe I guarantee we would not – World War II proved that. The people of Darfur deserve no less respect.

Congress, President Obama, and Secretary of State Clinton don’t have the combined balls of a mouse on this issue. But that does not mean we, the American people and those reading this around the world, are equally as impotent. We can still do something.

I again urge those that can do something to help Not On Our Watch and other aide organizations that seek to help those suffering in Darfur. Together we can make a difference, we can help children, mothers and fathers. Because if we don’t neither the U.N. nor the U.S. Government seems willing to.

“Change you can believe in” shouldn’t just be an empty American political slogan.

Richard Branson joins Mia Farrow's Darfur hunger strike

In less noted news over the weekend, further developments came about in Mia Farrow’s hunger strike. Farrow started the water only strike to highlight and draw attention to the deplorable state of the Darfur region. It was perhaps one of the more dramatic endeavours made by a celebrity to try to garner public attention to the millions that have continued to suffer over the last 6 years and still counting.

12 days into the hunger strike Mia Farrow was told to end the strike by her doctors. Mia Farrow is 61, and continuing the hunger strike would have endangered her life. To which she stated

“I am fortunate. The women, children, and men I am fasting for do not have that option.”

To date over 300,000 Darfuri people have been murdered and died since 2003. 2.7 million people are homeless and seeking shelter. Since the start of the genocide (a term the American Government has officially used to describe the ethnic war since shortly after its inception) the United States Congress has done nothing. Every Congress since the start of this genocide has had HR 180 IH before them, which would place financial pressure on the Sudan and help to end this outrage. Each Congress (Democrat or Republican run) has failed to even take the issue out of committee. Effectively America is helping to fund the genocide of women and children.

Thus the work of Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Mia Farrow, and many many others deserves to reach the public. I am an advocate of the work to end the genocide and help the people of Darfur. And I again commend Mia Farrow for what she did.

It should also be noted the Sir Richard Branson, the mega-billionaire businessman and adventurer, took up the hunger strike in place of Mia Farrow. Again I believe he sought to keep attention in the media on this issue (which it seems the media wants to ignore). Branson stated he will be on the strike for 3 days.

I expect that other entertainers and celebrities will take up this cause. I hope that celebrities of note will join in on this hunger strike to drive media attention to this. Perhaps Snoop Dogg could be of some real help (for once) if he were to join in the hunger strike, and even convince other rappers to do so.

Too much is at stake not to be involved. And we as Americans can do so much more.

Terrence Howard still upset about Iron Man 2

As I have mentioned before, Terrence Howard will not be returning in the sequel for Iron Man. He is going to be replaced by Don Cheadle. That was a decision by Marvel Comics, reportedly because of a pay dispute.

But more information has come out about the whole situation. It seems that Marvel didn’t just toss Howard out with the bath water, they also decided to give Gwyneth Paltrow the shaft without so much as a thank you. At least that’s what Howard is stating

“They produced a great bounty with the first one, but they put it all in the storehouse and you were not allowed in," he says. "They did the same thing with Gwyneth Paltrow, from what I've been told.”

Now there is no question of the ability of Don Cheadle. Still I am upset. The character of Rhodes, Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.’s character) best friend and right-hand man, has been established. There was a chemistry between the leads and it worked. And Marvel made tons because all the pieces fit perfectly.

Do I think Cheadle will do a good job? I sure do. In fact Howard is not upset with Cheadle. He said

"I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the movie. I want to see Don Cheadle become me. No, I want him to do better than me. That's what I really want to see. Don Cheadle was the reason I got Crash, so I have a lot of love for him."

One thing seems clear to me, Marvel is hurting its potential franchise over greed. Movie makers generally jump through hoops to keep winning casts. Because they bring in the money. But when a movie studio’s greed starts to mess with such a basic and fundamental factor as returning actors, in a genre that relies heavily on fans of the source material, you have to question what else will be changed. Will they wind up with an Ang Lee version of the Hulk? Will sequels go down the path of Alien vs. Predator? Could this start a revolving door like as in the Punisher movies?

Marvel may have a host of storylines and characters to build on. They may have tons of money to pour into CGI effects and ad campaigns. But if they turn the movies into soap operas with character changes in each movie, they are building a tower in the sand.

I’ll still go to see Iron Man 2. I will support Don Cheadle and give him a chance in Howard’s role. But I now have a growing doubt about the film. The movie trailers better be spectacular or it will end up being a very costly decision.

Mia Farrow's hunger strike

There is nothing in the world quite like the feeling of standing by your convictions. It is a reward upon itself. Even better is when those convictions insist upon or cause to happen the improvement in the lives of another person. That is something worthy of discussing.

Such is the case with Mia Farrow. While the actress may not be the biggest name ever, and she is still remembered by her connection to Woody Allen, there is a better reason to remember her name. She is a human being that puts her money where her mouth is. Or in this case refuses to put food to her mouth.

Mia Farrow is about to embark on a hunger strike starting Monday the 27th. She will eat no food, only taking in water. The purpose of the hunger strike is to draw attention to the cessation of aid to the people of Darfur in the Sudan. Like millions that are now in danger of losing their lives, Farrow will share some of that risk.

This is a serious matter for Farrow. She is 64 years old. She’s not an athlete, just an ordinary woman with the ability to make the public aware of an issue the media seems more than willing to ignore. Just like Congress has done for 4 years now. That means Republicans and Democrats alike.

I commend Mia Farrow for being true to her convictions, and taking a potentially dangerous task in hand. Few people, celebrities and entertainers or anyone else, are brave enough to make such an endeavor. And if she is successful, hundreds of thousands if not millions will benefit.

If only Congress, and/or President Obama, had the resolve – even half the resolve – of people like Don Cheadle, Cynthia Basinet, Mia Farrow and others then perhaps there would be no genocide in Darfur. If bills like HR 180 IH can pass Congress, then maybe we could see world leaders create change in the troubled regions of the world.

I hope that Farrow draws the fickle attention of the news media. I hope that average Americans are motivated by her selfless act, causing them to write to Congress or to President Obama and force them to act. Because more of the polispeak shuffle that has continued for years will result in only one thing, hundreds of thousands of more children, mothers and fathers will die.

And we can do something to stop it.

HR 180 IH may not be the best answer, and it is not the only answer, but it is an action. Only in action are there results. The time has long since come that America do more than turn a blind eye.

E.R. ends 15 seasons tomorrow

E.R. will be coming to an end tomorrow. And based on ratings and general public interest you might have thought it ended years ago. Which is a sad way for a ground-breaking show to end.

Though E.R. has reached a huge landmark in hitting 15 seasons, much of the luster faded before this year. I was a fan of the show early on. The entire plot seemed, looking back, to be the journey of one cast member - Noah Wyle as Dr. Carter. We all followed his path from lowly surgical intern into a highly qualified and intense doctor. And once he left the show, there really was no reason to continue to watch.

One of the things I loved about the show was that it was bright, and was not afraid of that. It was honest terminology and real medicine procedures. There were no miracles from future tech or television time constraints. The characters had flaws and issues, some never resolved. Characters grew, and fell, and died often in ways we never expected. But it was real and that drew in the audience.

Dr. Carter was our window into that world. As he learned more and became comfortable in that fast-paced, life or death arena, so did we. We were all proud when he became a doctor in his own right. We were surprised and pleased when he made the critical career move to give up surgery where he might just be good, to become an E.R. doctor that was great. We were all saddened when Dr. Carter fell into the pit of drug addiction, and were among his friends as they intervened to help him overcome his problem.

It's funny, the fact that the salary of Noah Wyle grew by the last season he was on the series to be more than that of the entire original cast he started with. It reflects the importance of his character, and the fanbase he drew. But the casting on this program was always smart.

This show launched the career of George Clooney, and Wyle. It beefed up the importance of Anthony Edwards, Eric La Salle and Juliana Margulies. It drew the most loved and most acclaimed actors in all of Hollywood to its set. Alan Alda, Michael J. Fox, Don Cheadle, Ray Liotta, Dakota Fanning and more.

This show was one of the few that featured Latinos, African Americans, and Asians as recurring if not main characters of importance and prominence. People of color were doctors and heads of departments. All at a time on television where the faces of people of color were vanishing from even the backgrounds in other shows. Especially on NBC.

Serious issues facing the nation and world have been addressed. Child abuse, violence against women, AIDS, alcoholism, drug addiction, cancer, famine, racial conflicts, poverty, international wars and ethnic cleansing. There are few topics this show has not touched upon, with honesty and compassion.

But like all things, it too must end. Because in a world of American Idol and Survivor, being honest and more than superficial is too much. When we lost our connection to the history of the show, Dr. Carter, we lost the need to be involved. Especially with issues that did not go away or were solved by the end of the episode or season. In that E.R. did it's job too well, it was too smart and honest to stay on television.

So while I am sad to see the show end, I agree it is well about time. It's languished enough, made many a political and educational point. It's helped widen the knowledge base of the world, and lifted more than a few actors and actresses to renown. In 15 years the television program has done just about everything that you could ask for in a weekly series. So with a salute I say goodbye to the series. And thank you.

Darfur: An end to genocide is possible with your help

Sometimes there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You may not know there was a tunnel, or a light, if you only follow the major U.S. news media – but that is the case. In this point I am speaking about the 6 year long war in the Sudan, specifically Darfur.

As much as the major media has ignored this conflict, as much as the Congress has sat on it’s collective fat ass (Republican and Democrat alike), no less than 300,000 men women and children have died to date. Over 2.7 million have had to flee their homes.

Individuals like Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and many others both with and without celebrity have worked hard for years to raise the awareness in America of the plight across the sea. The major news media was about as interested as Congress – one too busy hyping a case in Ohio, the other too busy looking to the past to see the present. But thankfully there have been others that have spread the word. And it may have helped.

Today it can be said that the main rebel faction and the Sudanese Government have started on the path that can lead to the end of the war. The first real steps have begun, with initial acts of good will being offered. It is possible that in about 2 weeks the first major cease-fire in that region will occur. It is possible that in the near future, one less place on the Earth will be at war.

But I still blame Congress for its inaction. Over 4 years in a row Congress refused to consider HR 180 IH – otherwise know as the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act. In many ways this could have been like the laws enacted to punish South Africa for Apartheid in the 1980’s. America could have led the world in bringing pressure to the situation, or at least stemming the money that funded the genocide. And genocide is not an opinion, but a direct description of this slaughter by the White House.

But Congress refused to make any statement. They just let this sit and gather dust. In essence they flipped channels while mothers had their breasts chopped off and/or were raped, and children were executed. They allowed enough people to fill a mid-sized American city to be brutally killed while they plotted polispeak and political one-upmanship in luxury resorts. Pick whichever political party you want, they all acted with the same disdain.

We will never know how many lives might have been saved by a simple show of concern by our Government. But I can definitely say that over 300,000 conservatively have died while America twittled its thumbs. It’s not something I am proud of.

Still the good news is perhaps one day soon Don Cheadle, George Clooney, and myself among thousands if not tens of thousands of others will no longer have to raise awareness. Perhaps this will be over and the healing will be able to begin.

But that is not today.

We still need to speak about this. To do something about this. To ask Congress to take some action. Because it could mean saving the life of even 1 child – and to me that is reason enough.

Donate to Not On Our Watch. Write to your Congressional Representatives. Send President Obama your request for action.

Because we are Americans, and we make an impact on the world. Because America is a good nation, with big hearts. And even while we worry about our jobs and homes, not one American ever fears being slaughtered in genocide. We can sleep at night in relative peace, which to me means that making even a symbolic act is the least we can do.

40th Annual NAACP Image Awards

For those that are needing another Awards show fix until the Oscar Awards, there is hope. The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards show is just over 24 hours away. Rejoice.

Actually this awards show should be interesting for more than the fact that it highlights the achievements of people of color, something rarely done by the Academy Awards. This year is also the 100th anniversary of the NAACP. Thus I expect the television broadcast to be quite special.

There will be stars a plenty as well. Halle Berry and Tyler Perry will be presenting. Which says nothing of those celebrities in attendance. All of whom I expect to note the significance of what the NAACP has done over the years.

A special honoree will be Muhammad Ali. He is a man well deserving of recognition and I am happy to know he will be singled out for praise. He is one of the major catalysts in some of the changes that have occurred in sports, television, and international perceptions of African Americans. More should credit what he has done and achieved.

Another honoree will be Russell Simmons. He has been highly influential beyond just music. He has been a great role model of how successful any African American businessperson can be. His empire of clothing, music, finance, televison and film ventures is the match of most any business. Such is the power of a mind dedicated in its purpose.

But on the pure awards front here are a few of the categories and my thoughts.

Outstanding Picture:
"Cadillac Records"
"Miracle at St. Anna"
"The Secret Life of Bees"
"Seven Pounds" – I expect this to win
"Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys"

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Derek Luke – "Miracle at St. Anna"
Don Cheadle – "Traitor" - This is my pick
Jeffrey Wright – "Cadillac Records"
Rob Brown – "The Express"
Will Smith – "Seven Pounds" - The main competition

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Alfre Woodard – "Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys"
Angela Bassett – "Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns" - Probable winner
Dakota Fanning – "The Secret Life of Bees" - main competition
Queen Latifah – "The Secret Life of Bees"
Rosario Dawson – "Seven Pounds"

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Cedric the Entertainer – "Cadillac Records"
Columbus Short – "Cadillac Records"
Dev Patel – "Slumdog Millionaire" - Great choice for popularity with the Oscars
Mos Def – "Cadillac Records"
Nate Parker – "The Secret Life of Bees"

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Alicia Keys – "The Secret Life of Bees"
Beyoncé Knowles – "Cadillac Records"
Jennifer Hudson – "The Secret Life of Bees" - The winner
Sophie Okonedo – "The Secret Life of Bees"
Taraji P. Henson – "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
"Ballast"
"Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom"
"Rachel Getting Married"
"Slumdog Millionaire"
"The Visitor"

I am amazed that this category did not include A Good Day To Be Black & Sexy or Diary of a Tired Black Man. I would really have loved to see Diary win too. But such controversy is beyond the NAACP I suppose.

Outstanding Foreign Motion Picture
"Captain Abu Raed"
"The Class"
"Mongol" - Possible winner (but I have not seen it)
"Song of Sparrows"
"Under the Same Moon"

Outstanding Documentary
"The Black List"
"Black Magic"
"CNN Presents: Black in America"
"Dare Not Walk Alone"
"Trouble the Water"

I have no idea in this list, but I would guess it will be CNN. Mostly because of the very positive coverage of President Obama throughout the election.

I am not covering the television choices because I feel that there really is no choice available. There are virtually no lead actors, and too little diversity in television to really have a selection to choose from. That is not the fault of the NAACP, but Hollywood and its double standards. [Though I will say that Sean Combs should never win.]

So with that said, there is your next Awards fix.

Don Cheadle secures production deal with NBC

Don Cheadle is one of my favorite current actors. He has talent, charisma, and a strong sense of charity. He is among a small group of celebrities and entertainers that has a passion for the things he believes in, and not for the fame his abilities has generated.



Cheadle is continuing his record of success and wide ranging talent with his production company Crescendo Productions. His company just signed a 2 year deal with NBC to develop television shows. This is not the first time that he has done this. He already executive produced the Starz/Liongate series Crash, which is based on the Oscar winning movie of the same name (of which he also produced).

In fact Cheadle's Crescendo Productions has produced the movie Traitor and Darfur Now, both of which he starred in. And of course Darfur is a subject that Cheadle is highly aware of. He has helped to raise awareness of the genocide occurring right now, for more than 5 years, in that region of Africa more than any other actor/actress, celebrity, and entertainer that I am aware of. In fact he has done more to raise awareness than the entire news media combined in my opinion.

So considering his talent, ambition, and compassion I can't help but be a fan of Don Cheadle. And I am looking forward to his upcoming films. Perhaps not the kid-oriented Hotel for Dogs, but the biopic of Miles Davis and Iron Man 2.

And with the inauguration of President-elect Obama near, and February's Black History Month fast approaching I have to wonder why so much attention is being placed on a dead foolish entertainer that glorified a lifestyle of violence ignorance and crime versus those celebrities and entertainers, like Don Cheadle, that are living symbols of intelligence, compassion, success, and talent?

Iron Man 2: update

OK, while I am still highly upset over the Oscar Grant murder the fact is that there are other things I can write about. Perhaps I can let my blood pressure come down for a bit. But have no doubt that I will still be following this case.

But while I was away some news came out on a movie I am looking forward to. Iron Man 2.

We already know that Terrence Howard has been replace in the sequel, which is a shame as I thought he would make a wonderful War Machine, and he is an accomplished actor. He is to be replace by Don Cheadle. So in the least it can be said that the role has not gone to a slouch or less talented actor.

But the latest news is on the villain front. No matter how wonderful a comic book character is, no matter how good or powerful the hero, they are nothing without a proper villain. In the first movie the real villain was the best source of all, Tony Stark himself. Obidia Stane was just a second-tier villain that we could watch get pummeled (or do the pummeling).

In this next movie I expect to see more of Tony Stark's issues with his womanizing and drinking. This character is truly realistic and flawed like few others. He has problems as big as, and more dangerous than, any of the enemies he faces. Robert Downey Jr understands that kind of life and thus he should continue to be perfect in this role.

Still this film is action based, so the internal conflict has to be externalized. And who better to visualize pain and suffering than Mickey Rourke. He is to play Whiplash, an old enemy in the comic books. This villain uses technology enhanced coils as whips that can break steel girders. It's not the best villain for Iron Man, but since the Titanium Man theme was sort of hit upon in the first film I understand why they don't want to go back to that right away. But this give Rourke a chance to get physical with Downey, via their characters. It will be a real mano a mano type of fight.

Backing up Whiplash, and no doubt supplying his equipment, will be Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer. Hammer is another multi-billionaire that competes with Stark, and happens to hate him for being smarter. That envy, and slightly smaller checkbook is the fuel of various schemes by Hammer to embezzell, steal, kill, embarrass, and otherwise harm the reputation and life of Tony Start and Iron Man.

Rockwell is an interesting actor. He looks rather snake-oil ish. I see him and think of a black hat. And many of his roles reflect that. One of his better performances was his con artist in Matchstick Men opposite Nicolas Cage. But in this film Rockwell will be up front, and a crucial lynchpin for the credibility of Whiplash - I believe. I'm not sure if he can pull off such a role. Especially when confronted with the caliber of acting that Downey and Rourke bring.

I still think the film will do well in theaters. I'm a little less confident now that the acting in the second film will be as good. There is no question that the CGI and visuals will be extraordinary.

Lest I hear otherwise this still will be a great film for 2010. And it will be a busy year for Rourke who is also in The Expendables that year.

America likes quality not color in movies

I just want to back track for a moment. At the end of 2008 there was a top of 2008 list that I think most have never heard of nor are they aware of who made the list. While this list is mostly for acting entertainers, movie studios and movie theaters it bears worth mentioning.

The Quigley Poll has been around for 76 years. It surveys movie theater owners and asks them whom they feel was responsible for the most revenue generation in the year. This is important to Hollywood as it confirms or changes how much an actor/actress is worth, and who they want to star in additional films. And it also influences what films will be made, indirectly. If an actor/actress who is know for dramas brings in enough to top the list for drama films, Hollywood with their tunnel-vision will make more of those types of films especially with that entertainer.

In 2008 Will Smith topped the list. Now that is very significant. He is only the second Black actor to top the list in 76 years. The last time an African American topped the list was 40 years ago, and he was Sidney Poitier. Just imagine that.

That means that all the success of Denzel Washington was not enough. Samuel Jackson didn't count. Even Jamie Foxx was not seen as successful enough. Not to mention Don Cheadle and many others over the decades.

This also means that Will Smith (the first and only actor to have 8 films consecutively gross over $100 million) has attained a level of acceptance in America not seen in 2 generations. In the late 60's America was forced to open it's eyes to all the people in the nation. Leading that charge on screen was Poitier. He opened doors that had been closed for the better part of a century. Then America looked away again.

This is important because Hollywood uses the excuse

"White people won't go to see a film or television show starring Black people. They can't connect with them."

That feeble attempt at justification enables television to mirror the 1950's mentality, and denies opportunity in front of and behind the cameras to thousands of qualified and non-White Americans every year.

But Will Smith has given just cause for that excuse to die. He again proved that America wants to be given quality, not just repetition, in their entertainment. It is the American spirit of competition that says the best demand equal time regardless of race or any other superficial factor.

I love quality Black cinema. I hate Soul Plane and other such trash. And I enjoy equally as much quality work of any capable actor/actress in multiple genres. But I cannot say that I will begrudge Hollywood if they finally join the rest of most of America in the 21st century. Will Smith is just one example, as is Spike Lee, Bill Duke, Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Forest Whitaker and on and on.

Americans go to see the top actors/actresses in the top films. It's time that Hollywood look around and see who really is in the A-list, regardless of color.

War Machine no more - Terence Howard out, Don Cheadle in

What the hell was Marvel thinking? If you are like me, you are unaware of the news that apparently came out last week in Hollywood. This news deals with the sequel to the hit film Iron Man.

The cast of Iron Man included Robert Downey Jr. and Oscar-nominee Terence Howard. This film has been a massive hit in theaters and the DVD sales have been brisk. Expectations for the obviously hinted sequel have been high. In fact, Iron Man and the Tony Stark character play prominently into the upcoming Avengers and other Marvel comic book film adaptations.

Marvel did a great job of conveying the character flaws from written form to movie. And the acting of Robert Downey Jr. was instrumental. But as important was the acting of Terence Howard as Stark’s best friend Jim Rhodes. It is the Rhodes character that Stark relies upon throughout the comic book, and is the only person he is willing to entrust his upgraded technology to. That new armor suit is called War machine, and it lives up to its name well.

In the movie Howard looks to the new armor and mentions “next time”. But it seems that it will never come as he has now been dropped from the sequel. I find that to be horrendous. Howard is an exceptional actor, and capable of a range of roles as his career shows.

Not only has Howard been replaced, by the equally talented – but far too short – Don Cheadle, Marvel did not have the balls to tell Howard beforehand. According to reports the excuse is a failure to come to terms on pay. But according to Howard

“…And I read something in the trades that implicated it was about money... but apparently the contracts that we write and sign aren't worth the paper that they're printed on sometimes. And promises aren't kept, and good faith negotiations aren't always held up.”

I like Don Cheadle. He is a great actor. But I don’t see him as Rhodes. It just doesn’t work for me. And now the new dynamic of the actors is very different than what was expected or as existed in the first film. There is a chance that Marvel may have shot themselves in the foot as it seemed that the second film was going to focus on War Machine and Rhodes.

It appears that Marvel is going the route of Disney, which is reported to be a tightwad and miserable to work for. The actions of Disney cost it an animation department and hundreds of millions in animated film revenues. Marvel seems ready to follow that same path, which was also the cause of the creation of Imagine Comics, and gave growth to several underground comics that ate away a large portion of their readership in the 1990’s.

Perhaps the next Iron Man movie will be fine. All the actors are phenomenal so you wouldn’t expect different. But I think that the future comic book adaptations may be in danger of failure. And just before Captain America can make it to the silver screen. It would be a shame.

Hollywood has its issues, and they are seeping into Marvel apparently. The loss of Terence Howard is a bad sign, hopefully it just remains that. And I hope that Marvel comes back to Howard with a sweetheart deal to make up for this public and unwarranted slap in the face.

And I really hope this does not cause a fued between Howard and Cheadle. They are too good, and there are too few quality roles for African Americans for that to happen.

Movie Preview: Don Cheadle starring in Traitor

The rise and fall of the stars in the entertainment industry is always fickle. Often this or that actor goes unrecognized for decades sometimes, though their work is of the highest quality. And all too often other factors restrict an actor as well.

Harry Belafonte made huge strides until his politics interfered, Rob Lowe was untouchable for a decade, alcohol and/or drugs has stopped careers of Mickey Rourke, Forest Whitaker, David Hasselhoff and many others for years if not forever; and for some drugs and/or alcohol ended their lives – Anna Nicole Smith, Marilyn Monroe, John Belushi, Heath Ledger, and on and on.

But perhaps the worst reason an actor may be overlooked is because Hollywood decides that the actor just isn’t “leading” material. In some cases that is true, but I think that for one performer it is way off. Don Cheadle.

Don Cheadle is a great actor. His performances have won huge acclaim, and even the smaller more artistic films he has been in have done modestly well. Hotel Rwanda was a performance that would have rocketed any other performer to the top of the A-list in both pay and movie roles. But perhaps the vocal and humanitarian efforts of Don Cheadle, to help end the 5 years and continuing genocide in Darfur, Sudan [efforts that I strongly support] scared too many execs. Or perhaps the fact he is Black has kept leading roles from him, as they once were for Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier.

But he may get his chance to start getting the leads I think he deserves after his latest film Traitor comes out this month. This is the first film where Cheadle will have the leading role to himself in a big budget film. Up til now Hollywood execs have been fearful and only allowed him to co-star with other actors, which I feel he often out shone. His only other leading roles were in far smaller, limited release films – Talk To Me and Hotel Rwanda (which he was nominated for an Academy Award Best Actor).

This film is a topical one, dealing with the all too real difficulties of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, American influences in the Middle East, fanatical Islam and world politics. Prior films by Hollywood trying to depict these issues in the last 3 years have all failed both due to slipshod acting, and heavy handed scripts that were more self-aggrandizing political commercials than entertainment. But Cheadle has been very good at picking his films, and performing well in them.

The trailer gives us a hint that we may find a more Jason Bourne style look at these issues. Not just action for its own sake but a plot driven drama that uses the violence and confusion of war as a vehicle for the character to become greater than his surroundings. And the biggest question is if Cheadle’s character really is on our side or not. I expect that the film may well end without ever clearly defining an answer, just as the actual reality is equally undefined or clear in its outcome.

If my expectations are correct this will be a defining film for Cheadle. Like what Jason Bourne did for Matt Damon, and In the Heat of Night did for Sidney Poitier, this movie may well establish his rising star as not only the A-list actor he is, but a leading man with the ability to entertain all of us.

The movie trailer makes a bold statement that this will be a movie to capture you for at least its time on the silver screen. Don Cheadle makes that trailer promise far more tangible. I’ll see it and let you know more.

Nelson Mandela is 90, and America still doesn't care

Excerpt from VASS

Back in the far reaches of time there was a prisoner that no one knew. Well at least in America. Back in 1962 a Black man was thrown in a jail (with the help of the CIA) because he wanted freedom. He wanted a say in his government, he wanted to be equal to those around him. He wanted an end to the poverty that was focused on ever other Black in the nation. He was a visionary, and that vision was enough to have him locked up for 27 years....

Throughout the 1980’s and afterwards America woke up to the fact that a modern day slavery existed in the world. It was something the nation stood up and rejected, though not without resistance in some parts. But eventually the nation refused to do business with South Africa, hitting them in their pockets hard. We protested and held rallies. We politically turned up the heat internationally. And in 1990, Nelson Mandela saw the light of day as a free man. In 1994 he became the leader of his nation and abolished all vestiges of Apartheid. He led his nation to democratic rule, and improve the lives of millions of Africans in the process....

And I have to wonder. America woke up to Africa in 1980. For a brief moment the nation paid attention to a land filled with Black people, and the injustice being wrought by the Whites in power their. And then we walked away...

“America has become a policeman of the world in my lifetime. We have entered multiple nations as a peacekeeping force and in wars. Yet, for some reason America has turned its back while the equivalent of Orlando, Florida (or possibly Cleveland, Ohio – the exact number is unknown) have been killed since 2003. Let me make this clear, that’s between 200,000 to 400,000 men women and children that have been killed and counting.”

...

Nelson Mandela is a great man. He has lead a life worthy of notice and remembrance. At 90 he continues to call out to the world to do the right thing. And America has gone back to the deaf ear it had the day the jail cell doors closed on Mr. Mandela....

Full post found here>

Donating to help Darfur - 4.9.2008.1

On March 13th of this year I wrote a post (Not On Our Watch, Cheadle and Clooney, donate $500,000 - 3.13.2008.1) discussing Darfur and the efforts of Don Cheadle, George Clooney, and many others to end the genocide that has been on-going for the past 5 years in the Sudan. In that post I mentioned that this is a subject that has not been covered properly by the media, politicians, the Government, and the Presidential candidates (all of them).

My discussion of this subject has been consistent for some time, and I will continue to do so. Torwards that end I promised to make a donation to Not On Our Watch on April 6th. That day was my 40th birthday and a Sunday.

I promised to donate every dollar and dime that was donated to the site up to that date. So far in 2008 there has been 6 dollars in donations, as noted by the widget on the sidebar.

While I have delayed my donation I never forgot it. At the same time I do not believe that $6 was enough to donate to this issue, though ever dollar does count and help. Therefore I donated $46.

As I promised I have donated every dollar the widget shows received this year. I have not used those funds but my own, and as more donations are made to me I will use those funds for the various charities and gift giving contests that I run from time to time. The additional $40 dollars represented my age. While I wish I could have made the gift larger, I’m not independantly rich and the growth of my corporation does constrain some of my efforts from time to time.

Even so, I do not intend to make this my last donation or effort for Darfur.

For those that might doubt my donation I provide the following confirmation

Donation made to Groundspring.org for Not On Our Watch, Inc.
    Date: 04/09/2008
    Transaction #: VLCA2BF773FB-742401
    Donation Amount : $46.00
    Tax Deductible Donation Value : $46.00 

Not On Our Watch, Cheadle and Clooney, donate $500,000 - 3.13.2008.1

Unlike the major news media, or the Government of the U.S., I have spoken about Darfur and what is happening there. For years there has been little said about the genocide, and even less done in Congress. An example of that inaction is HR 180 IH.

But there are individuals that have done a great deal. One of the most notable and famous is entertainer Don Cheadle. Mr. Cheadle, along with George Clooney, producer Jerry Weintraub, entertainers Brad Pitt and Matt Damon created Not On Our Watch. Through this non-profit organization attention and aid has been given to Darfur and the 200,000 African that have been murdered and the 2.5 million men, women, and children that no longer have homes.

It is Not On Our Watch that again did something our nation seems incapable, or unwilling, to do. Today they gave $500,000 to the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations. The WFP has been providing food and support people in Darfur for years, in fact 70% of it’s aid goes to this area alone.

As much as half-a-million dollars is, it does not compare to the $77 million needed in 2008 alone.

Don Cheadle, George Clooney and the others in Not On Our Watch need to be commended on their actions and support to date. Congress, including Presidential candidates Senators Clinton, McCain and Obama, and President Bush need to be admonished for their failures to address this issue.

America has not take a stance against what is happening in Darfur. When Apartheid needed to be stopped, America stood up and refused to do business with the nation. We placed pressure on that government and helped to improve the lives of millions of South Africans including former political prisoner and now leader Nelson Mandela. [For those that weren’t alive in the 1980’s, Apartheid was the rule of the White minority in South Africa over the African majority. Think of it as a couple of steps above slavery and segregation on crack.]

If America as a government is unwilling to end the support of the Sudan, which Darfur is within, perhaps the people of America are willing to step up. Already the entertainers mentioned above have done so, and no one would consider entertainers political leaders. Yet they have done more to lead this cause than all of the politicians in America so far, in my opinion.

Darfur may be in Africa, and Africans are not as important to America as other parts of the world. That is apparently factual based on what our nation has done, or failed to do, over the last 5 years. But I see no difference in the lives of children in Darfur than in Iraq. If there can be such huge support for helping Iraq (whether through leaving the area or staying and winning the fight against Iran and terrorists) I cannot see how we cannot want to support those in Darfur.

If you agree with me, and Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and so many other regular everyday Americans you have never heard of then please go to Not On Our Watch and make a donation. Today this organization sent $500,000 because of what they believe and the families and children they wish to help, and amount few of us have. But I have to believe that we normal Americans can afford $1 or $5.

I will even make it easier if you can’t afford that. Every dollar and cent donated to any of my blogs or sites, as recorded in my donation widget above, since the beginning of this year until my birthday on April 6th will be donated to this organization. In addition I will make a donation on that day beyond the funds collected.

So if you can only afford .50 cents, or $1.50, or even .05 cents, I will send it along with ever other donation I receive.

One person probably won’t be able to come up with $77 million or a solution. But all of us together can easily do so.

President Bush and Darfur now - not the movie - 2.19.2008.2

In 2005 a category 5 hurricane named Katrina struck New Orleans and devastated the city. The United States government, lead by FEMA, failed the city and its citizens in a catastrophic manner. This is fact and there can be no dispute of it.

Some have argued that the failure of the government was in part because of the personal beliefs of President Bush in regard to African Americans. It is not the purpose or goal of this blog or me to delve into the heart of the President, but I will state that as the Commander-and Chief and highest elected official of the nation he ultimately is responsible for those that died and suffered. That being said, this failure should not have been a surprise since 2 years prior, and continuing to date, America allowed the deaths of hundreds of thousands.

Today, President Bush was visiting Rwanda. During this visit he went to the site where thousands were buried from the atrocity that occurred in that nation. It was obvious that when questions were asked the foremost would be why America, under his leadership, has allowed genocide to occur that will one day create a similar site. The answer was polispeak and paltry, in my opinion.

“I still believe it was the right decision,” Mr. Bush said. “But, having done that, if you’re a problem solver, you put yourself at the mercy of the decisions of others, in this case the United Nations. And I’m well known to have spoken out by the slowness of the United Nations. It is — seems very bureaucratic to me, particularly with people suffering.”

America has become a policeman of the world in my lifetime. We have entered multiple nations as a peacekeeping force and in wars. Yet, for some reason America has turned its back while the equivalent of Orlando, Florida (or possibly Cleveland, Ohio – the exact number is unknown) have been killed since 2003. Let me make this clear, that’s between 200,000 to 400,000 men women and children that have been killed and counting.

If you are wondering where this is happening, the place is called Darfur and it’s in the Sudan.

Today President Bush stated that he supports African nations taking care of African problems. That is a first, since America and Europe have meddled and created problems in Africa for millennia. President Bush has stated

“White soldiers are a target for both sides of a conflict [in Africa] and are counter-productive to resolution.” – as stated on Fox News via news clip

While that may well be true, this has never prevented America from doing anything before. Such an answer is paltry in my opinion. It leads me to believe that if this mass murder of children was occurring in Europe or affecting Whites, America would be there in gangbusters.

And lest anyone think that President Bush is alone in this decision, I refer you to HR 180 IH. Congress has failed to act on this matter for multiple years, and has facilitated the blind eye America and the major news media have given this genocide. Republicans and Democrats share equally in this failure. The President may be responsible for his actions as the Chief Executive, but Congress is no less complicit.

President Bush went on to say,

“We are cooperating to address violence and genocide in Darfur.”

To that end the President has pledged $100 million dollars to those African nations that will help to end the 5 year long conflict in Darfur. Rwanda is to receive $17 million with Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Malawi also to receive funds. Yet American businesses continue to do business (and thus fund the murder of women and children) with Sudan unabated. And Congress seems too busy with holding meetings about steroids with baseball entertainers or investigating why individuals that are employed at the pleasure of the President were fired (a situation that was never illegal and known to have violated no laws).

America has acted too late and far to hands off in this matter. The major news media have ignored the issue though individuals like George Clooney and more prominently Don Cheadle have tried to being it to the spotlight. I mean Mr. Cheadle even was involved in a movie (Darfur Now) specifically to draw attention here. Yet none of the media paid attention, or the elected officials of the nation.

Thus I must ask why. When the action in Kosovo draw immediate attention and comment, and the problems in Israel are in our headlines. When the politics of Russia and the various nations of the CIS (many of which are only slightly less chaotic) are fodder for pundits. What is the difference?

I can tell you what Kanye West thinks (stated inappropriately in a format that deserved better)



Considering the actions of America about Darfur over the past 5 years I would have to say that his claim has merit. And the Congress along with the major news media is no better.

If you’d like to prove me wrong, write to President Bush and demand more action at:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

FAX: 202-456-2461
comments@whitehouse.gov

president@whitehouse.gov
vice_president@whitehouse.gov

You can write to Congress to request action in preserving the lives of thousands of women and children via your local Senator or Congressman:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml

Or

http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

39th annual Image Awards nominations announced - 1.8.2008.1

Amid all the conversations of Senator Barack Obama leading or slightly trailing Senator Clinton in the New Hampshire primary other things are going on. I must admit my own failing here because I have been dedicating a huge amount of time on the ongoing Presidential race. I’ve been following it all since December of 2006, and you can hear my comments on all of that at my Vass site.

[By the way, a Google search today shows that I rank higher than answers.yahoo.com and the heraldtribune.com for Republican pros and cons and wiki.answer.com on Democratic pros and cons. I also am 3rd, 4th, and 5th under pros and cons of Presidential candidates, 2nd – 5th for pros and cons of Republican Presidential candidates, 2nd – 4th on pros and cons of Democratic Presidential candidates. I suggest you take a look at why.]

So what else has been happening? Well the 39th annual Image Awards nominations are out. And while there are no clear surprises, there are no serious letdowns either. The choices on television whittled down a bit, and there were fewer choices among movies, but several items stood out.

There will be a special tribute to Stevie Wonder who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Great Debaters, about the history making group of Black youth that beat the Ivy Leagues in debates in the 1930’s and were denied their place in history, received 8 nominations. This film also stars Forest Whitaker, and Denzel Whitaker (no relation) who is garnering a lot of acclaim.

Best Picture nominations included Talk To Me, with the inspiring and very talented Don Cheadle, I Am Legend, starring the equally talented Will Smith, American Gangster, another good film starring Denzel Washington again, and Why Did I Get Married?, by the ever popular Tyler Perry.

Everybody Hates Chris and Girlfriends again gathered multiple nominations as they did last year. Joining them are 30 Rock, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Ugly Betty - again.

Dramas included Grey’s Anatomy (again),House (again), K-Ville, Lincoln Heights and The Unit.

The list for best actor/actress and several other nominations follow below:

Actor in a Motion Picture

Columbus Short - Stomp The Yard
Denzel Washington - The Great Debaters
Don Cheadle - Talk To Me **My choice
Terrence Howard - Pride
Will Smith - I Am Legend

Actress in a Motion Picture

Angelina Jolie - A Mighty Heart
Halle Berry - Things We Lost In the Fire
Jill Scott - Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?
Jurnee Smollett - The Great Debaters
Taraji P. Henson - Talk To Me **My choice

Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Chiwetel Ejiofor - Talk To Me
Denzel Whitaker - The Great Debaters ** My choice
Forest Whitaker - The Great Debaters
Nate Parker - The Great Debaters
Tyler Perry - Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?

Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Janet Jackson - Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? **My Choice
Loretta Devine - This Christmas
Meagan Good - Stomp The Yard
Queen Latifah - Hairspray
Ruby Dee - American Gangster

Documentary

Bastards of the Party
Darfur Now **My personal pick
Desert Bayou
Price of Sugar
Sicko

Directing in a Dramatic Series

Darnell Martin - Law & Order: CI: Bombshell
Kevin Hooks - Lincoln Heights: Pilot
Paris Barclay - CSI: Meet Market **My choice
Roxanne Dawson - Heroes: Run
Seith Mann - Friday Night Lights: Are You Ready For Friday Night?

Directing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television)

Denzel Washington - The Great Debaters
Kasi Lemmons - Talk To Me **My choice
Preston Whitmore - This Christmas
Sunu Gonera - Pride
Sylvain White - Stomp the Yard

Song

Beautiful Flower - India Arie
Just Fine - Mary J. Blige
Like You’ll Never See Me Again - Alicia Keys **My choice
Stronger - Kanye West
Umbrella - Rihanna feat. Jay-Z

Album

Alicia Keys - As I Am
Chris Brown - Exclusive
Kanye West - Graduation
Mary J. Blige - Growing Pains
Seal - System (Warner Bros. Records)

Literary Work - Fiction

Blonde Faith - Walter Mosley
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Junot Diaz
Cion: A Novel - Zakes Mda
Knots - Nuruddin Farah
New England White: A Novel - Stephen L. Carter

The list goes on, but that gives you a cross section of who has been recognized. The Awards will be given out on February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Good luck and congratulations for everyone nominated.

You can see the full list here.

The movies of 2007 in retrospect - 12.12.2007.1

As 2007 is coming to a close I looked back on the films of the year, and the actors that made them what they were. It’s quite the mixed bag, with far too many massively overpaid for underperformance. Quite a few are, in my opinion, without the ability to justify the pay they receive, while others are a bit surprising in the modest pay they receive, relative to Hollywood payouts. Thankfully there are many that are worth the money that are a bit long in the tooth, making ‘older’ folks like myself feel a bit better I suppose.

In terms of the films that were hits, that lived up to the hype we all seemed to have. Included in that list The Bourne Ultimatum, Live Free or Die Hard, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Saw IV, Harry Potter, 300, Spiderman 3, I Am Legend [I include this because the storyline has been good enough to make this the 4th version of the film, and I have that much confidence in the ability and choices made by Will Smith] and to a lesser amount Hitman.

There were several films that failed, and most were no surprise to me. That would include Underdog, Fred Claus, The Mist, The Comebacks, Halloween, Code Name: The Cleaner, Alpha Dog, Hannibal Rising, The Hoax, Rush Hour 3, The Brothers Solomon, Lars And The Real Girl, 30 Days Of Night, The Invaders and a few others.

And then there are the special mentions like Aqua Teen Movie, Red Line, Georgia Rule, Ocean’s 13, Talk To Me, Bratz Movie, Rendition, Darfur Now, Lions For Lambs, Redacted, This Christmas, and American Ganster.

The leading films all boasted great casts with some of the best in the industry. It’s no surprise that Johnny Depp made a reputed $92 million this year. The same can be said of the $32 million for Matt Damon, the $23 million paid to the top 3 in Harry Potter and the unknown amounts for Bruce Willis and Will Smith (I would guess in the range of $20 million a piece). As for 300 or Spiderman, every dollar spent on the effects was worth it as that was the real stars. And Saw is just what you expect so it did its gore fest above par.

The worst films, which the list is hardly complete for, were all bloated poorly written refuse that amazed me someone greenlighted. Underdog proved that not every show or cartoon from the past needs to be remade or done live action. Stephen King continued his long streak of failing to convert his quality and success from books to film. Rush Hour, and Hannibal show that making sequels just for the money doesn’t always make money, and Cedric may be an entertainer, but he’s not an actor. Didn’t anyone get the clue from the horrendous Honeymooners movie? They just need to stop making him the lead in movies. The rest were just really bad ideas that turned into really bad movies.

The list of movies that qualify under that last sentence is too long to write. I’m sure we all could think of a couple of those movies, if we wanted the torture of thinking about that. The good news is that 2007 is over and they can only be reseen on DVD, if you get bored burning $20 bills. (The bad news is that 2008 will probably have at least as many gruesome failures – at $20 million a film Nicole Kidman is burning buildings full of them)

As for the last category of films, well they are special. Aqua Teen Hunger Force is a special interest – mostly targeting college kids up late watching cartoons that are distracting and meaningless (which is why we like them). Georgia Rule deserved to fail because of 2 things Lindsey Lohan and Hanoi Jane. I cannot fathom any film that contains the America hating Hanoi Jane that deserves to make a single dime. I dislike her and revel in her failures, personal and professional. [And I don’t care if anyone likes her for any reason, I despise her.] Equally fathomless is the concept that a film based on anorexic dolls could work. Seriously, anorexic dolls with attitudes?

I equally reveled in the failure of equally America hating films Rendition, Lions For Lambs, and Redacted. The abject failure of these films to garner any interest is a testament to the good taste of everyone except the people who greenlighted them. I can only hope that the actors in these films were doing them for the paychecks and not their political views. I would also say that if the producers and writers of these films feel that strongly (especially Mark Cuban) give up your citizenship and move to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan or any other nation that will take you. I will not mourn your loss or the money you have.

But there are also films that should have gotten real attention and distribution. Talk To Me and Darfur Now were thrown to the wayside, the corporate execs sleeping well at night because they got them into theaters. In fact both were solid films deserving of recognition for what they had to say and the performances. Luckily both have Don Cheadle in them, though he is only acting in one. I have to wonder, considering the wide release of Cedric’s movie, that execs fear promoting a film with a Black actor that makes any serious political and social statement. You can’t pay a major media company to acknowledge Darfur has been going on, least of all for 4 years, and America has yet to do ANYTHING about it. We can run around the world and help fix everyone’s problems, but forbid we even distribute a movie about a genocide we can do something about.

Lastly there is American Gangster and Ocean’s 13. Denzel Washington is a solid, brilliant actor. The film is quite good (even with 3 rappers in it). But I have a problem with the promotion of a negative style of life for African Americans. Far too many will see this as a vindication or motivation. The mindless find inspiration in odd places, thus the film upset me. And Ocean’s 13 just proved that sometimes you can make a sequel just for the money and it’s ok.

So there are my thoughts on the films of 2007. Get the DVD’s of those you like, target shoot the ones you hate and get as a gift. And gird yourself for 2008, because Carrotman (it’s an old obscure comic book character) the movie hasn’t been greenlighted, yet.

[Again I say, Iron Man will be the massive big winner of the year.]

A few quick thoughts from Michael Vass - 12.10.2007.1

Well the year is quickly coming to an end, and the corporate paperwork is piling high. I hate to say it, but this is not one of my favorite times of year. That said there are many things going on, and I’m not slowing down.

As long-time readers may be familiar, I recently worked with TV One on their live webcast of the Heartland Presidential Forum. I reviewed the Forum and spoke about it in depth, and I will be doing a bit more about that in the near term. Keep an eye out for an upcoming commentary along those lines shortly.

This is the final week of the $1000 Holiday Give-Away Contest. Don’t miss your chance to win $1000 free. The terms to enter are simple and easy to do. No purchase is required. What have you got to lose? Check out the details here.

I ran across an interesting site recently. It’s a newer blog, discussing similar thoughts on Black actors. I particularly liked the post on Don Cheadle, and Black Actresses Get No Industry Love – 30-39 Crew. It’s a different take on the entertainment industry and how we people of color are represented. Check it out.

Don’t forget that there is still time to pick up a gift for your loved ones, or yourself, at my online store. There is something for everyone there, and the original designs stand out with personality and good looks. If you have never visited the store before, this is your chance to see what I have done to date. If you have been there, go back and look again what might have been added.

Looking at the choices I have in my store beats running around from store to store with huge crowds and the cold snow and ice weather that is this winter. And if you have any suggestions, let me know. I always love to hear what you have to say.

Keep an eye out for the various end of year lists for 2007. It’s a popular favorite and I will be presenting them shortly.

If you are wondering about the up-coming election, and which candidates might be of interest, I suggest you see my Vass blog. I’ve been covering the ups and downs of all the major candidates since the beginning of the year. I won’t forget about them in 2008 either. Remember your vote is too valuable to be given away cheaply, and too permanent to take back once cast.

Well more soon.

Darfur vs. political poll numbers

When I think of Darfur I am reminded of a quote,

“Man's inhumanity to man is not only perpetrated by the vitriolic actions of those who are bad. It is also perpetrated by the vitiating inaction of those who are good.” – Dr. Martin Luther King.

Back in June I noted that there had not been a single candidate that had spoken about the atrocity in Darfur. Today that genocide in Darfur continues, Congress has not acted, and the Presidential candidates continue to turn a blind eye. Not only that, but the major news media continues to have a blackout of any information on this issue, going so far as to be silent on even the recent Don Cheadle film on this subject.

Yes, there was a film about Darfur that came out in November. Did you hear a single review? Did you read about it in your newspaper? Highly unlikely, just as it’s unlikely that you will hear a single candidate discuss this issue while they argue about who has more experience in international matters.

How can we believe ANY candidate has international experience when they cannot mention and seem to be unaware of a massive, 4 year long genocide? The candidates running for the Presidency can even figure out the national level of concern in that they have not done anything on HR 180 IH. That is the title of the resolution in Congress all year that has received scant attention.

“The point is that the United States government has reacted pitifully in regard to Darfur. So far 3 sessions of Congress have been discussing this and still nothing has been done. And here is the proof. On January 4th Representative Lee introduced HR 180 IH. If you wonder what that means it’s the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Introduced in House). So far any attempt at accountability has gone out the window.”

Now some may say I am being unfair. They will note that during a YouTube debate several candidates spoke about Darfur. And they may note that Senators Dodd and Obama also have a resolution. I will counter that empty soundbites and resolutions that sit and do nothing are just the equivalent of eye candy. It’s fluff to look busy and important without the substance of conviction.

“As for Senator Clinton, she got a bit of all the best answers and combined them, mostly. She agreed on the need for sanctions. She agreed on a no-fly zone. But she would not agree to place ANY troops on the ground.

Senators Dodd and Obama (as well as Biden and Clinton) co-sponsored Senate Resolution 559 (introduced on Sept. 7, 2006), which encouraged President Bush to work with NATO and the UN in establishing a no-fly zone.”

Congress has been so busy trying to find ways of taking down President Bush and his administration that they have failed to even notice the murder of hundreds of thousands of people. Presidential candidates are so busy puffing themselves up they can’t even commit to divesting their personal holdings in companies that are supporting the Sudan and the genocide in Darfur.

It is a n international embarrassment that the U.N. has more backbone than our nation on this issue. The fact that the U.N. has committed 26,000 troops to protecting lives in that region is paltry, but at least an attempt at something.

“And politicians can take the simple amount of time it takes to act on HR 180 IH, Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007, forcing companies to admit if they are supporting the regime that is murdering women and children for no reason beyond the fact they exist. I dare even one politician to provide a reason that is logical that explains why this has not passed yet. To explain why this simple act has yet to be passed after 7 months seems inplausible to me. That only 151 Representaives have backed this is sad. How many lives will it take to move forward and act?”

We are America. We can do better. We can do more. And that action starts and ends with out political leaders. We elect them to do our bidding. They are there to enrich our nation, our world, and the lives of everyone we influence. And the influence of America is virtually inarguably massive.

"It is up to citizens in these early primary states to determine the agenda of the presidential candidates," New York Times journalist, Nick Kristof, said at an event at Drake University in Des Moines [...]. "Iowans, specifically, can use their voice during the caucuses to bring Darfur to the attention of the presidential candidates."

Think of this. If we can turn a blind eye to the suffering and death of millions of people, that we can help end, how long until we turn a blind eye to Robert A. Hawkins, and all the others that commit mass murders in our malls and schools. How long before we accept the suffering of those in our nation that suffer from hurricanes, earthquakes and floods? How long before we become so inhumane as to allow murders of anyone not exactly like us, that us being an individual determination?

And how long will it be before we realize that there is no difference between turning a blind eye to this genocide and committing the murders ourselves?

Iron Man, Dark Knight, Darfur Now, I Am Legend and more movie previews Part 2 - 11.3.2007.2

Continued from Iron Man, Dark Knight, Hitman and more movie previews Part 1...

Then there are the films that are seriously interesting. Most notably is the film Darfur Now.



I am a fan of this film. I support the call to action that people like Mr. Don Cheadle and others have been championing for years. I am angered by the failure of the United States to address or act in behalf of the people being killed in Darfur. This movie deserves to be seen. Not because it is a fantasy, or escapism, but because it is real and we can do something about it. The major media has failed to address this. Politicians have stuck their heads in the sand about this. Even ultra-liberals fail to discuss this, let alone having had this as part of a single Presidential debate to my knowledge. Watch this film and then do something. Or just do something. Seriously.

Another film for the holiday season goes in a very different direction. A family oriented film, The Ten Commandments will be brought back to the theaters. This is a remake of the classic Charleston Heston film. But the difference this time is that it will be animated. Similar to the Heston classic the voice actors are a group of renowned actors including Mr. Christian Slater (as Moses), Mr. Ben Kingsley, and Mr. Alfred Molina.

Sadly after so many years we still don’t get a decent racial diversity in the telling of this story. The characters may look Black, as they should, but the voices are solidly not. I will never get over how in the Heston Classic, which is well done, everyone except Yul Bryner is White. Now it seems that in this animated film we will have virtually no one that is African or Black, yet this is happening in Egypt.

Oh, add to that the fact that it will also probably be dumbed-down as it is targeted to children. Still the artwork is quite good, and the story it is based on is quite good. And the actors are well up to the task, if not a diverse group. It will easily make $100 million, but the quality I’m not so sure of.

Not to be forgotten is the Will Smith lead remake I Am Legend. I’ve already spoken about it but here is that trailer now. It should do well, and the storyline is quite good. Good enough to have been made into 3 different versions over the years. Definitely a winner.



Of course if this is all too high a quality, you can always watch Harold & Kumar 2 or Fred Claus. But I wouldn’t advise it.

On the far horizon, keep an eye out got Hulk 2 (pray they don’t have Eric Bana in it, and they get a real story), Captain America (now who will play that enigmatic role?), and Wolverine. Not to mention the next installment of Star Trek with the young versions of Spock, Kirk, Bones and the rest of the crew.

Don Cheadle movie coming out in November - 10.30.2007.1

**This can also be seen at All American Blog, where I am a contributing author.**

In the list of things that many may not see in movie theaters there is one movie coming out that deserves more attention. This one movie needs to be seen in wide release. This one movie needs to get publicity and critical commentary. This one movie deserves the media hype and sales pitch given to forgettable films like 30 Days of Night or Transformers, but it won’t get it.

The movie is Darfur Now. A simple title and statement. And I would ask, do you even know where Darfur is or what has been happening there for years? Are you aware of what our government is doing about Darfur? If not, why?

But as for the movie, it details 6 lives that are trying to make an impact and those that work with them in this endeavor. In my humble opinion, all those fighting to bring attention and resolution in Darfur deserved the Nobel Peace Prize far more than Mr. Al Gore and his questionable movie. That’s the real intent of the Prize I always thought. The Nobel goes to people like Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King and such. Not an overly politicized, overly glorified, politician that has not, to my knowledge, even publicly acknowledged Darfur.

Over a million people have been allowed to die without more than a glance by the major news media. Even with the attention major stars like Mr. Don Cheadle (who is featured in the movie), Mr. George Clooney, Mr. Brad Pitt and several others the media and Congress placed this story on the back burner.

For all the movies and news out about wars and conflicts in the world, most discuss the past. This movie discusses the on-going genocide of a people in Darfur. I say that again, on-going. Yet the major news media feels that Ellen Degeneres crying about a puppy deserves 2 day+ of news coverage. Years of murders, with approximately 1 million dead and a puppy going to a different family than where Ms. Degeneres wanted gets 2 days of coverage.

This movie deserves a wide release. It needs coverage. It’s a story that should be told in a big way, even if the studios don’t make a ton of money. Underdog was a complete flop, but they put that out nationally and made a big deal of it. If they could right of that loss, why not take a loss for something that matters and could have an effect of saving hundreds of thousands of lives, literally.

Suffice to say, I suggest seeing the movie. There are plenty of other films coming out by the end of the year to get you into the holiday spirit (not that I think Fred Claus is going to do well or be a good movie) or just thrill you (Mr. Will Smith has a remake that should be quite good out in December). Why not take one day [actually slightly more than 1 ½ hours of one day] to see what is happening in the world, which the major media seems to think you aren’t adult or mature enough to handle.

Ramblings of Michael Vass Part 2 - 8.7.2007.4

Continued from Ramblings of Michael Vass Part 1...

Some say it’s because of racism. While it exists, I know that first hand and recently as well, there is no comparison to what existed in the 50’s and earlier. There were no television channels featuring Blacks, nor African American characters of note. There were no African American political candidates, or mayors. Being in the wrong place or looking at the wrong person easily led to attacks and in many cases lynchings. Even with the far too common police or mob actions of today, there is no comparison.

Some of the more dim say it’s because that is ‘being real’. First reality is real, to have to say that is both redundant and an indication of the limits of the mind that spoke such a statement. Secondly the reality is not what various marketing systems portray on a daily basis. Music videos, songs, television programs and that ilk are merely means by which to separate a consumer from their income. They are exaggerations and excerpts of reality and no more accurate than the world of JRR Tolkein or Issac Asimov.

The media, in all its forms including entertainment, may state that EVERY African American uses drugs, has 5 kids that they don’t see, never graduated high school, and is involved in some form of criminal activity but even casual observation in the worst of neighborhoods prove this wrong. The overwhelming average of African Americans are people that work, raise families, have sought and gained basic and the highest levels of education, without a single criminal incident (many without even so much as a parking ticket). But that reality just seems to escape the major media, and often the blogosphere.

Where are the posts celebrating the contributions being made every day? Celebrity donations are always decent news, but how often do you hear about something being done by a Black or Hispanic entertainer/celebrity? There are many of them, and more than just Ms. Oprah Winfrey is out there doing things. How about the efforts of Mr. Don Cheadle, or the work of Mr. Montel Williams in providing 4 million people with free or nearly free medication. Doesn’t that deserve a bit more than just the mere soundbites they get now?

So yes, I get tired. It’s hard to write to all the blogs everyday. But I do, and I look out for the positives. I’m not perfect; I miss stuff I should write about. I get caught up in an issue and don’t have the time to get to other issues. It happens.

But there are positives out there. There are alternatives. Leadership is the act of leading, and I like other bloggers are trying to lead to a better path than what is out there now. I just felt like mentioning that. Thank you for reading and your patronage.

This is what I think, what do you think?

America debates while the U.N. acts on Darfur - 7.31.2007.1

Repost from Vass

Finally we see the start of some action. Finally leadership has arisen and taken a stand. Sadly it was not the United States that has been the bold leader that our nation can be, and often is. Even so, I am happy to spread this news.

The United Nations has announced that it will be sending 26,000 peacekeeping troops to stop, or at least stem, the mass murder in Darfur that has claimed some 400,000 lives and left 2,500,000 homeless. I have been speaking about Darfur for a little while now, inspired by the words and actions of Mr. Don Cheadle.

Still the resolution has its flaws. Since the troops will be comprised of African Union and U.N. troops it will take months to organize and implement. Additionally there is no sanction component that can cause a dampening effect on the ruling government, slowing its efforts to commit genocide. This sanctioning is a needed component as is food aid for the area. It is an abysmal fact that the major industrialized nations of the world, including America, have sat on their collective asses in this matter.

As I mentioned previously HR 180 IH, has sat in Congress without action all year. In 2005 the members of the G8 summit sought to address the issue, and after few words that hold as much impact as the soundbites politicians use for most every situation these days, did nothing. So I have mixed emotions right now.

There is the start of actions to improve the lives of millions of Africans, a start but that is all. American businesses continue to support and by their inaction fund a genocide that has been on-going since 2003. Politicians have failed to act on resolutions presented to them. The news media has virtually ignored the situation. This is insulting.

I place myself along with the major media, up until recently. We can all do better and more. The stories on the vapid and imbecilic Paris Hilton can wait a bit. The comments on the rantings of Ms. Rosie O’Donnell will still be there later. BET will still provide the second-rate, debateably exploitative programming which can be protested against while they ignore their obligation to provide news and substance to the very target group the cable news channel is named for.

Fox News, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS et al. need to forget that this is happening in Africa and treat this matter like it was in Europe. I strongly feel that were this happening on a separate continent, with people of a different color, more would be done. Well it is happening and they are human beings and we can do more.

And politicians can take the simple amount of time it takes to act on HR 180 IH, Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007, forcing companies to admit if they are supporting the regime that is murdering women and children for no reason beyond the fact they exist. I dare even one politician to provide a reason that is logical that explains why this has not passed yet. To explain why this simple act has yet to be passed after 7 months seems inplausible to me. That only 151 Representaives have backed this is sad. How many lives will it take to move forward and act?

America is a great nation, I believe that without hesitation. We have helped and defended millions across the globe for decades. We stand for freedoms and rights that no other nation can claim to give so completely. Because of these reasons we cannot fail to act when the need is so dire.

This is what I think, what do you think?